Earlier in the month, it was reported that Iginla and the Boston Bruins were talking contract extension. But obviously, nothing has been agreed upon yet. The B’s have a tight cap situation, made tighter by a significant bonus overage, for which Iginla’s contract from last season is largely responsible.

Turning 37 on July 1, Iginla is still in search of his first Stanley Cup. The winger scored 30 times in 2013-14, then added five more goals in the playoffs. If he can’t get something done with the Bruins, he will have suitors.

But Iginla wants to be back in Boston, which is still very much a contender despite this year’s disappointing playoff exit.

“It’s a great group and I hope to be able to come back and I know it’s something that I hope that works and there’s a deal there for everyone,” he said. “But I know the Bruins need to look at what they want to do and whatever, but yeah, I really enjoyed it and hope there’s something worked out there because I also think it’s a team that has a good of a shot as any to win and I think that next year the team can have that.”

If it’s not Boston, it will have to be a team with a shot to win the Cup for Iginla to sign on. The complicating factor is all the other impact players whose futures are up in the air. Jason Spezza, Ryan Kesler, Joe Thornton, and Patrick Marleau could all be moved this summer, and they all have control of where they go. They’ll want to go to winners, too. Like Iginla, each of those four is still looking for his first Cup.

Iggy’s a hard guy to walk away from, but this deal (or lack of) is going to say a lot about where the Bruins are headed. Peter Chiarelli made a mistake in the aftermath of winning the Cup of trying to ‘keep the band together’…it has really hindered them in the present. It’s a tough call, but I think Iggy’s a guy you need to walk away from. This, along with parting ways with Kelly and dealing a defenseman (probably Boychuk, tho I HATE to see him go), will go a long way towards getting younger and getting some sorely needed payroll flexibility. It’s the only way this team is going to continue to get better as opposed to stagnating and/or regressing.

Bruins need to retain Iggy. His work ethic is great and he can pretty much do it all. Only negative is his skating speed. I was very impressed with his professionalism and he delivered on his incentives. Why let a guy walk away when he has been getting the job done?

Kelly needs to go. He just doesn’t add much and seems to be injured too often.

Boychuk they need to hold on to.

Moop - Jun 21, 2014 at 12:11 AM

Kelly adds a lot defensively, but his three million cap hit is very expendable for me when Ryan Spooner can immediately replace him on the third line and it would be huge if the Bruins can open up three million dollars to help sign Iginla. Trade Kelly for anything, really.